Tuesday, November 17, 2009

random facts and ideas

store your plastic wrap in the freezer. this will avoid the annoyance of sticking to itself, making it much easier to wrap up your holiday goodies!

often times broccoli stems go to waste due to people wanting to eat only the "tree" part of the broccoli. next time, save the stems and puree them, then add to a pesto or marinara sauce. a sneaky, delicious way to get your kids, or even just yourself, to eat vegetables!i

if you are trying to watch how many carbs you are eating but still love to indulge in a bowl of pasta now and then, here is a delicious, healthy way to do so. shred some zucchini then barely saute it until it just starts to go limp. this helps you eat less pasta and more vegetables! i do half pasta, half zucchini.



author of Empowering Your Health, Asa Andrews, MD, tells us how we can get more energy first thing in the morning. i do all three and noticed a difference once starting this routine. 1. have a big glass of water. after sleeping for several hours you have lost a significant amount of fluids. "Hydrating yourself will perk you up" 2. do jumping jacks. just a few will help increase blood flow, which gives you a huge burst of energy. I jumprope for the same purpose. 3. eat up. don't skip breakfast! having the right foods in the morning kicks energy levels and metabolism into high gear. some things recommended in Womans Day magazine is plain yogurt (protein), a handful of almonds (healthy fats) and an orange (carbohydrates and vitamin C) Avocados also have healthy fats and peanut butter not only has high amounts of protein but peanut butter is proven to help kick your metabolism into high gear. A little bit on some whole grain toast will do the trick!

Monday, November 16, 2009

Recipe of the Week

This is a family favorite. Was never a huge pork chop lover but thought I would give this recipe a shot and am SO glad I did!

Polynesian Pork Chops

4 boneless pork chops, 3/4 inch thick
1 tsp garlic powder
1 Tbs vegetable oil
1 medium onion, chopped
1 can Campbell's Golden Mushroom Soup
1 can (8oz) pineapple chunks
1/4 cup water
3 Tbs soy sauce
1 Tbs honey
2 cups cooked rice
sliced green onions

1. Season chops with garlic. Heat oil in skillet. Add chops and cook until browned. Add onion.

2. Add soup, pineapple with juice, water, soy sauce and honey. Heat to a boil. Cook over low heat 10 minutes or until done.

3. Serve with rice and garnish with green onions.

makes 4 servings prep/cook time: 20 minutes

Monday, November 9, 2009

Recipe of the Week

This recipe is probably my new favorite. It is SO yummy and extremely easy to make. AND, sense everything is homemade you feel like such an amazing chef by the time you are serving the meal. :)

Sweet and Sour Meatballs

1lb ground beef
1 egg
1 onion, chopped
1 cup dry bread crumbs (I use seasoned but you can use plain)
salt & pepper to taste
1 cup water
1/2 cup vinegar
1/2 cup ketchup
2 Tbs cornstarch
1 cup brown sugar
2 Tbs soy sauce (I actually used 3 Tbs so it wouldn't be too sweet and I think it turned out just right)

1. In large bowl, combine beef, egg, onion, bread crumbs, salt & pepper. Roll into meatballs about 1-1 1/2 inches in size

2. In a large skillet over medium heat, saute the meatballs until browned on all sides

3. In a separate medium bowl, mix together the water, vinegar, ketchup, cornstarch, sugar & soy sauce. Pour over the meatballs, and allow sauce to thicken. Continue to heat until the sauce just starts to bubble

Serve over rice and ENJOY!!! Serves 5 and takes about 20 minutes total, to prepare and cook